Everybody knows that horror games come in all different shapes and forms. There’s an entire buffet out there for folks who want nothing more than to soil their best jeans and maybe hug a squish mallow or two after playing some terrifying video games. There are third-person horror games. 2D horror games. Puzzle horror games. Horror games in regular video games–hell, the butler in Tomb Raider still gives me goosebumps every time, and the man is just doing his job! But undoubtedly, the best way to experience horror games, in my opinion, is in the first person. So, today we’ll be counting down the best 15 first-person horror games that maybe you shouldn’t play in the dark. No, I’m not speaking from experience; let’s just move on.

 

15. GTFO - 2019 (PC)

This GTFO Raid Was Extremely Close! - GTFO Gameplay

GTFO is a first-person cooperative shooter that, as of writing this, is only available on the personal computer. You and a bunch of your buddies go through some intense-looking environments while you try to accomplish tasks given to you by the Warden. Ooh, that’s not an ominous name at all.

Why GTFO Is Terrifyingly Awesome

If even the developers of the game suffer from crippling stress while playing GTFO, then you can rest assured that you will, too. Though you aren’t completely helpless, you don’t always feel like you know the lay of the land. Yes, you might be armed to the teeth, but the genius of GTFO is its ever-changing obstacles that get thrown at you at a moment’s notice. Not to mention, the creatures in the game are some of the most grotesque-looking things you’ll fight off. I wouldn’t be surprised if the developers watched Cabin in the Woods, saw the scene where the SWAT guys were annihilated by hellspawns, and thought that that would be a good idea for a video game.

Still, you’re going to want to play GTFO for hours on end. The game doesn’t feature a leveling-up system, so gameplay is king here. If you’re a fan of Left 4 Dead, you’ll feel right at home—well, I wouldn’t say you’ll feel like you’re wrapped up in a cozy blanket or nothing—but you’ll understand the kind of game you’ll be getting into. GTFO is still played by fans and is still supported by the developers, so now is a great time to jump in and get out. Preferably, fast.

Fun Factor: 80/100

It may not look like it, but these guys are wearing their brown pants.

 

14. Soma - 2015 (PS4/Xbox One/PC)

SOMA | 4K 60fps | Game Movie Walkthrough Gameplay No Commentary

I’ll be honest; I never got around to finishing Soma. But I did play enough to understand that if I played any more of it, I’d probably break my streak of not soiling my pants since 2020. You might be thinking, “That’s pretty recent”, and you’d be right. Moving on. I am familiar with Soma’s developers, Frictional Games, who created the Amnesia series, and they are masters of first-person horror. In Soma, you take on the unfortunate role of playing Simon Jarret. I say unfortunately because Simon isn’t a Chris Redfield or a Joel Miller, and therefore he’s already screwed after finding himself in an underwater facility with machines that have gained consciousness, which is never a good thing. I mean, look at Ultron.

Why You Should Play Soma

Despite never finishing the game, I’d still recommend playing Soma. Frictional Games flexed their mastery over first-person horror on this one. The atmosphere is dripping and oppressive, and the excellent sound design makes this title worth playing with some decent headphones just to experience the ambiance alone. And that’s the real horror of Soma. It may not have the “in your face” type of scares you’d find in their previous titles, but Soma forces you to settle with something much more horrifying, and that is the desolate and disturbing consequences of the last people on earth’s attempt at keeping their collective sanity together and failing. Soma is a slow burner and asks a lot of patience out of players, but if you’re daring enough to tread forward, you’ll be treated to a great first-person horror game.

Fun Factor: 85/100

I’m sure she’s fine. Just resting her eyes.

 

13. Phasmophobia - 2020 (PC)

Phasmophobia 4K/60fps Gameplay No Commentary

Kinetic Games took the gaming world by storm when it released Phasmophobia. And it came at the right time, when the rest of society had shut down. It let people play out their fantasy of being a part of a ghost-hunting team without having to deal with the consequences of leaving a haunted house with a new visitor by your bedside at the end of an investigation. And if you’re thinking to yourself that you’ve never had that fantasy, then clearly you’ve never watched Zak Bagans from Ghost Adventures try to lure a spirit to lay in bed with him. It’s both the creepiest and funniest thing ever, and dammit, it makes me want to be a ghostbuster.

Go Big Mode

This truly is a ghost hunter’s wet dream. You start out preparing for the investigation in your van, looking over your objectives and discussing among friends on how to complete them. You’re given access to equipment like a spirit box, an EMF reader, a ghost writing book, etc. You and your friends must identify the type of spirit—which there are over twenty of them—without provoking it into a hunt, which can result in some hilariously terrifying moments in which the ghost can track and kill you off one by one. There’s even speech recognition, which the players can use to speak to the spirits. As you progress and document your findings, you’ll be earning money you can use to purchase more tools to add to your arsenal.

Though you can play this game by yourself, much like attempting to investigate a real haunted location by yourself, it’ll only end badly for you and your sanity. Phasmophobia is definitely meant to be played among friends, and it’s even better if you can round them up for a Halloween play session. Yes, it is a bit janky, and there is no real story here to keep you intrigued, but it’s the addictive feeling of forcing yourself to confront these sinister spirits in an inevitable chase that makes this game worth playing.

Fun Factor: 82/100

Hello. Would you perhaps want to lay in bed with me?

 

12. Devotion - 2019 (PC)

Devotion | 4K/60fps | Walkthrough Longplay Gameplay Lets Play No Commentary

On a previous list, I mentioned Red Candle Games’s excellent Detention. On that list, I briefly touched on Devotion and how terrifying that game was as well. Now that we’re talking about the best first-person horror games, I can shed some light on why I think Devotion should be on this list. Devotion sees you play as screenwriter, Du Feng-yu, who, after his daughter falls ill with a mysterious illness, becomes increasingly obsessed with trying to cure her, even if it means going to some dark places.

Why Devotion Will Leave You Shook

Much of Devotion’s gameplay is centered around exploring Feng-yu’s apartment, switching to different time periods, and examining various objects and notes of interest, which better flesh out the story and its characters. Certain objects must be collected to solve puzzles, often by traveling through different time periods to obtain them. There isn’t much in the way of gameplay here; instead, Red Candle Games immerses the player in its world and themes. The game is also rather short, clocking in at about three hours, but the pacing is done well, and ultimately the player’s enjoyment will hinge on the plot of the game. Still, I enjoyed Devotion, and it left me with the same empty, crushing feeling Hereditary did all those years ago. And that’s a good thing.

Fun Factor: 80/100

The atmosphere is top notch, putting the Unity engine to good use.

 

11. Zombi - 2012 (PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Wii-U)

ZOMBI | FULL Gameplay Walkthrough No Commentary 4K 60FPS (NO DEATH) GOOD ENDING

Zombi, or ZombiU, was originally supposed to be a spin off of the Raving Rabbids universe. Can you believe that? Somehow they went from creating a title in the same world as the Rayman franchise to a straight-up first-person survival horror video game. In it, you play as a survivor in a modern-day zombie apocalypse set in London. What makes this game unique is what can make it frustrating at the same time. Let’s get into it.

What Makes Zombi Unique

Zombi is unique in that it was originally launched on the Nintendo Wii-U during a time when the whole zombie craze was beginning to stagnate. In spite of this, Ubisoft decided to release a zombie game with, well, mixed results. I personally played Zombi on the Xbox One when it was later ported from the Wii-U instead of how it was originally intended. Yet, there’s no denying that some of its more unique features came from playing it on the Wii-U.

For example, playing ZombiU allowed for the use of the gamepad to access inventory, which forced players to look away from the game screen and manage items while the game still played. It added to the stress of paranoia that you could be attacked by a zombie at any time. And when said zombie is as powerful on their own as they are in a horde, it could make for some pretty intense moments. Also, Zombi had a permadeath mode, so death really had some consequences in this one. Of course, this would seem to work well on paper, but in execution, it could result in some pretty frustrating moments. Zombi has some jank that can make your experience needlessly tedious.

Combat is rather clunky, so making your shots and hits count is a must. On top of that, the lighting is not great, so getting attacked by zombies is pretty frequent and unavoidable by default. The permadeath system can also deter casual players, but it can also make your playthrough a rather satisfying one once you get the hang of things. In the end, you’d be hard pressed to find a game like Zombi, and for all its flaws, this is still an atmospheric survival horror game worth trying at least once through.

Fun Factor: 70/100

Zombi can be quite the atmospheric game at moments like these.

 

10. Happy’s Humble Burger Farm - 2021 (PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X and S/Nintendo Switch/PC)

Happy's Humble Burger Farm : ALL BOSSES + Happy Ending 【 No Physical Damage 】

Anyone who has worked in the fast food industry knows that it can be a nightmare. Rude customers, even worse bosses, and terrible pay. Happy’s Humble Burger Farm captures the stress of working in this kind of environment, adding a horror twist to the mix. You play as a new recruit for Happy’s Humble Burger Farm, and not all is what it seems in this place and the city surrounding it. It’s up to you to flip burgers, figure out the sinister secret behind this twisted world, and find a way out of the monotony that’s slowly killing you from the inside out. Too much? Okay.

What Makes Happy’s Humble Burger Farm Fun

It’s quite possible you’ll break down from the stress of playing a horror cooking sim like Happy’s Humble, and that’s a compliment to the developers. From the moment you start your first shift, you’ll have to manage the fryer, create burgers—all tailored to each customer’s needs—and operate the soda machine. Each night, the game will add another task you must complete on top of the already overwhelming list of work-related activities, and that’s what makes the game fun.

When you aren’t working, you’re heading back home and diverting away to some story-related content, completing tasks like breaking into your restaurant’s locked rooms and finding out why New Elysian City is akin to a glitch in the matrix, creating bombs to defeat the insane fast food mascots, etc. And New Elysian City truly feels like a simulated place, with character models all resembling one another, machines with the same products sprouting around town, and even your co-worker, Toe, being a mindless soul. It’s all quite unnerving.

The game can have occasional bugs here and there, sometimes even hard crashing during certain pivotal moments, but it weirdly adds to the experience and, if nothing else, gives you an excuse to play a good-bad game. I totally recommend this one to anybody wanting to play a horror adventure game that’s also a cooking sim; it’s worth the money in my opinion.

Fun Factor: 75/100

Um, sir, you’re not supposed to be back here.

 

9. Blair Witch - 2019 (PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch/VR/PC)

BLAIR WITCH Walkthrough Gameplay Part 1 - INTRO (FULL GAME)

Blair Witch, developed by Bloober Team, sees you play as police officer Ellis Lynch, who goes off on his own search investigation for a missing boy, accompanied by his trusty canine, Bullet. Fans of the film franchise will know two things: One, don’t go into a forest that’s home to an evil witch, and two, if the game is anything like the films, you’ll be begging to go home with snot running down your nose and regret in your eyes.

Blair Witch Is A Scary Good Time

Well, for the most part anyway. Anyone familiar with Bloober Team’s previous titles will be familiar with the developer’s gameplay structure. You’ll have to solve puzzles to progress throughout the game, some of which include the use of a video camera that lets players manipulate time to create openings where there once were. It’s pretty run-of-the mill stuff, and most of your enjoyment will come from whether or not the story is engaging enough for you to see through the game’s roughly six-ish hour campaign. The inclusion of a dog companion definitely helps break up the monotony of exploring a rather creepy but empty forest.

The game doesn’t see an uptick in horror until the last hour of the game, when you are finally thrusted into the infamous Blair Witch house, seeking a way out as the home literally changes its structure on you. It’s by far the best part of the game, in my opinion. If you’re interested in trying it out, there are worse horror games out there than Blair Witch. The game offers up multiple endings, so there is incentive to replay through the title. Usually, video games adapted from films tend to be a bit shaky, but Blair Witch is a solid first person survival horror title.

Fun Factor: 70/100

Blair Witch captures the spirit of the films and its iconic setting.

 

8. Layers of Fear - 2016 (PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch/PC)

Layers of Fear [Full Game Longplay Walkthrough No commentary PC HD]

Staying with Bloober Team once again, Layers of Fear is another psychological first-person horror game in which players take control of a disturbed painter who returns home to start work on his masterpiece, but when he begins to lose his grip on his sanity, players will have to explore a demented mansion and piece together the unnamed painter’s troubled past.

What Makes Layers Of Fear A Good First Person Horror Game

It’s made very apparent with Layers of Fear that Bloober Team prioritizes its stories above gameplay. Though you won’t be fighting off any creatures or gathering resources to better your chances at survival like most other horror titles on this list, Layers of Fear is intent on making the player feel violated by its dark tone, from the minute you boot it up to the very bitter end.

Yes, you will be completing puzzles like most horror titles of the same vein, but where the game lacks in innovative gameplay, it more than makes up for it with its almost photorealistic graphics, sinister atmosphere, and harrowing sound design. Above all else, Layers of Fear is more remembered for its gripping story than its gameplay, and it's clear where Bloober Team’s inspirations lie, with its main influence being the Silent Hill series. If you’re as excited as I am for the SH2 remake, prepare yourself by playing Bloober Team’s best title in their lineup. You won’t regret it.

Fun Factor: 80/100

Bloober Team made sure to create a terrifying mansion for players to explore in.

 

7. Outlast - 2013 (PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch/PC)

OUTLAST | Full HD 1080p/60fps Longplay Walkthrough Gameplay No Commentary

Outlast is about a journalist who travels to an asylum to discover the dark truth behind its recent reopening and, I don’t know, make some friends along the way. In truth, the game’s simple setup is just a way to get you to explore a demented asylum and document footage of the goings-on, while parkouring around some terrifying monstrosities. Yeah you heard right, parkouring around monstrosities. No, this isn’t Skate.

Why Outlast Is Terrifying

I’ll be honest, my playthrough of Outlast took about twice as long as it was supposed to because I kept pausing the game whenever I heard even the slightest sound come from my television. That’s how terrifying Outlast was. I hate—as I’m sure many other players do, too—the fact that for the majority of the game, it’s a toss of the coin on whether or not you should leave your hiding spot and continue exploring, or stay there for the rest of your life. Red Barrels understood how to slowly ratchet its tension up to eleven each time people played through the game.

The sounds of screams and cries in the asylum make Outlast a haunting experience, with earned jumpscares that will make your heart leap out of your chest. For some reason, this asylum has batteries scattered all over the place, because that, along with the documents you pick up, is the only resource you’ll be picking up to slap into your camera and keep the horror show going. By the end, you’ll have enough footage to release onto the dark web and trauma to go along with it. Was it worth it? Yes. Yes, it was.

Fun Factor: 87/100

Outlast has some iconic stills. This is one of the more tamer images.

 

6. Under: Depths of Fear - 2020 (Nintendo Switch/Android/PC)

UNDER DEPTHS OF FEAR Full Gameplay Walkthrough (iOS, Android)

Under: Depths of Fear is a rather simple first-person horror title that sees you play as a traumatized World War I veteran attempting to escape a sinking ship while being stalked by unknown entities. If you’re claustrophobic, maybe avoid this one.

Under: Depths of Fear Is A Little Horror Gem

Though it won’t win any awards, Under: Depths of Fear is still a game worth experiencing, despite its short runtime. I personally played this game on the Nintendo Switch and had a fun time exploring the haunted, sinking ship. Its presentation is top-notch, with its developers creating an almost realistic-looking game with beautiful lighting and superb sound design. With that said, it isn’t going to be for everyone. You’ll be juggling finding a way off the ship while finding bits of lore that elevate its story. There are claims of the game being a bit buggy, and though I didn’t experience anything game-breaking, it is something to be aware of. If you find Under: Depths of Fear on sale for a few bucks, it’s well worth checking out.

Fun Factor: 60/100

Oh yeah. Nightmare fuel right there.

 

5. F.E.A.R. - 2005 (PS3/Xbox 360/PC)

FEAR | 4K/60FPS | FULL GAME Gameplay Walkthrough

In F.E.A.R., you are Pointman, the newest recruit in a fictionalized military group that specializes in the paranormal. You, along with the rest of your squad, are sent in to investigate an incident that released a powerful psychic who has turned the city of Fairport into a hellish landscape. As you descend further into madness, you realize there’s more to your mission than was led on, and you, as the player, must uncover what’s really happening.

Why F.E.A.R. Is A Masterclass In Video Game Horror

Monolith Productions took inspiration for F.E.A.R. from Japanese horror like Ringu and Ju-on: The Grudge, as stated by Kevin Stephens, one of the lead programmers on the game, according to the game’s Wikipedia page, and it shows. The main antagonist, Alma Wade, a supernatural young girl, shows up throughout the game to psychologically torment the player, leaving them suspended in dread as they play. F.E.A.R. understands what makes a horror game truly terrifying by not always shoving jump scares in your face at every turn. Instead, as you explore the levels, you’ll be at the ready, waiting for something to come out and scare you, but it rarely ever does. Often times, it's the silence in between gunfights that truly leaves you in suspense.

And there is combat here, unlike most other games on this list so far. You’ll be fighting against enemy soldiers who are quite tactful in their approach. You’ll feel like you are in a real firefight each time you get into encounters, with enemy AI attempting to flank you or flush you out with grenades. It’s as overwhelming as it is fun to try to survive each combat scenario unscathed. To even the playing field, Pointman has the ability to slow down time and take out enemies more precisely as a result.

If you’re looking for a first-person shooter with psychological horror elements, F.E.A.R. is an excellent choice. Though the graphics are a bit dated now, the gunplay feels tight and fun to play, with an array of weapons at your disposal. This game has the whole package. A fun thrill ride that you won’t soon forget.

Fun Factor: 90/100

Pointman dispatching some equally as lethal enemies.

 

4. Doom 3 - 2004 (PS3/PS4/Xbox 360/Xbox One/Xbox Original/Nintendo Switch/VR/PC)

Doom 3 - Full Game Walkthrough - No Commentary

Doom 3 was the half-sequel half-reboot entry in the series, attempting to fully flesh out the story of the Doom franchise. In Doom 3, you play as a space marine who lands on Mars at a UAC base just before a teleportation portal unleashes the forces of hell on the red planet. You, being the badass space marine you are, are tasked with defeating the armies of hell before they reach earth.

Why Doom 3 Is Still A Great Game Today

At the time, Doom 3 was controversial for its move to go for a slower-paced, first-person survival horror experience, a complete departurefrom the gameplay structure fans were used to. Since then, Doom 3 has helda special place in the hearts of fans for being the black sheep of the franchise, and though it's missing the frantic arena shooter gunplay, it more than makes up for it by being one of the most atmospheric horror games to date.

In Doom 3, you’ll be dispatching demons with an arsenal of weapons that fans of the series will be familiar with. From standard pistols and machine guns to shotguns, chainguns, plasma rifles, and the iconic BFG 9000. Playing on harder difficulties will make ammo conservation a priority, as will having precise aiming, so to really get the best experience, I’d recommend playing the game on its higher difficulty.

You aren’t completely invulnerable either, with demons spawning from various areas—sometimes even jumping up behind you—and the emphasis on using your flashlight to navigate through dark areas on the original Xbox made for some pretty tense moments. The sound design also keeps you on your toes, with doors opening from far off in the distance, followed by demonic growling getting closer to your position. The futuristic sounds from the technological equipment you’ll be interacting with immerse you deeper into the world of the UAC, as will the oppressive and hellish hums from the underworld, which will leave you impressed even to this day.

I can’t recommend Doom 3 enough. Though the latest entries in the franchise are the best Doom has ever been, it’s strangely cool to know that the series makes for superb horror games in Doom 3 and even Doom 64. It still holds up today and is an amazing survival horror game.

Fun Factor: 95/100

Doom 3 can be a looker, even to this day. Say goodbye to that face, sir.

 

3. Alien: Isolation - 2014 (PS3/PS4/Xbox 360/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch/IOS/Android/PC)

Alien: Isolation 1080p Full HD Longplay Walkthrough Gameplay No Commentary

Alien: Isolation follows up after the events of the first film in the franchise. You play Amanda Ripley, daughter of the iconic film action heroine Ellen Ripley, who agrees to board the Sevastopol, a space station that might hold answers to her mother’s disappearance. Hoping to get some closure, Amanda quickly realizes the station has an unexpected guest. The lethal apex predator itself, a Xenomorph.

What Makes Alien: Isolation A Nailbiter Of An Experience

Many developers have tried—and failed—to capture the essence of the Alien franchise, but Creative Assembly has since broken the curse with their survival horror title. Though it has received mixed reviews during its initial release, I can safely say that Alien: Isolation is one of the most intense horror video games I’ve played, even if it does overstay its welcome.

In Alien: Isolation, you take control of Amanda Ripley as you complete various objectives, from retrieving items that help you progress forward to evading defective androids and steering clear of the Xenomorph itself, through hazardous environments. Unlike games like Outlast or Layers of Fear, you won’t just be escaping the grasps of enemies; you’ll also have weapons to defend yourself with. Though most everything—save for the flamethrower—is useless against the alien, you can smartly outmaneuver your enemies if you can think strategically.

Adding to the gameplay is Isolation’s fantastic score and sound design, which masterfully recapture the spirit of the Alien franchise. From subtle music that plays as you explore the Sevastopol to intense chase sequences away from the alien, Creative Assembly also went as far as to faithfully recreate the world of Alien with some of the best-looking graphics you’ll find in video games. Though it does suffer from some pacing issues, repetitive tasks, and some frustrating combat sequences, nothing beats the dread of exploring a seemingly normal room and hearing shuffling from the vents above you, knowing your next moments can be your last.

Fun Factor: 85/100

Whenever the Xenomorph comes on screen, you’ll be sweating bullets.

 

2. Ghostwire: Tokyo - 2022 (PS5/Xbox Series X and S/PC)

GHOSTWIRE TOKYO PS5 Walkthrough Gameplay Part 1 - INTRO (FULL GAME)

Ghostwire: Tokyo is Tango Gameworks’ attempt at creating a first-person survival horror game completely based on Japanese urban mythical creatures and folklore, and in my opinion, it delivers on that promise perfectly. In it, you play as Akito Izuki who, after being in an unfortunate collision accident, awakens in a distraught Shibuya that is now overtaken by evil spirits. Akito becomes the sole survivor due to his possession of a spirit named KK, who tasks Akito with taking down Hannya, the man responsible for Shibuya’s demise.

Why You Should Play Ghostwire: Tokyo

Ghostwire: Tokyo had the unfortunate pleasure of releasing a month after the massively praised Elden Ring and was—I feel—overlooked by a lot of critics and players alike. Though I tend to agree that the game feels a bit undercooked, I still had a blast playing through Ghostwire. What makes this game so unique is its approach to combat. In Ghostwire, you fight off vengeful spirits by using paranormal abilities granted to you by KK in the game. By using Kuji-Kiri hand gestures, you can cast spells that are akin to using weapons in the game. Some are more devastating than others, but nonetheless, they are all viable in combat.

Though some might argue that combat can become repetitive really fast, I found it addictive and almost craved a fight with hordes of enemies just so I could flex my John Constantine/Doctor Strange powers. Early in the game, you’ll be utilizing stealth to get by, but towards the end of the game, you’ll be more than equipped to take on seemingly endless waves of enemies. There is also a huge collection of cosmetic items you can find throughout Shibuya to customize Akito’s appearance, with some even making him look like John Constantine. It’s so damn fun.

Ghostwire: Tokyo might not be the scariest game on this list, but there is a feeling of uneasiness as you explore Shibuya, seeing headless schoolchildren and slenderman looking monsters roaming about with no sign of life other than yourself. Side missions keep things fresh, with you helping trapped souls and fighting off waves of enemies to upgrade your abilities. Trust me when I say, Ghostwire: Tokyo will be a cult classic in years to come, and here’s hoping Tango Gameworks revisits the world of Ghostwire in the near future.

Fun Factor: 90/100

This lady is by far one of the toughest, and scariest, enemies in the game.

 

1. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard - 2017 (PS5/PS4/Xbox One/Xbox Series X and S/Nintendo Switch/VR/PC)

RESIDENT EVIL 7 Biohazard Full HD 1080p/60fps Longplay Walkthrough Gameplay No Commentary

It seemed for the longest time that the Resident Evil series was never going to be able to return to its former glory. A lot of the titles that came before 7 were fine, but it seemed clear that the series needed a breath of fresh air. That breath of fresh air came in the form of Resident Evil 7, which was released in 2017. In RE7, you play as Ethan Winters, a new playable character in the RE universe who receives a message from his missing wife, Mia, and is compelled to find her in a seemingly abandoned home in Louisiana.

Evil Comes Home

Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical about Capcom returning to the long-respected horror franchise with a new perspective. First person. Even the addition of a new character, a brand new storyline, and a new setting seemed to deter fans initially, but after having played the game—multiple times—I can happily say that Resident Evil 7 is a RE game through and through. Capcom laid the foundations for what would later come down the line, with Resident Evil 2 Remake, Resident Evil 3 Remake, Village, and even Resident Evil 4 Remake. All of it wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for the success of Resident Evil 7.

So why should you play this game? For fans of survival horror—especially RE fans—players will feel right at home (no pun intended) with this title. Everything from resource management to puzzle solving, backtracking, and subsequent playthroughs makes this one a masterpiece in first-person horror video games. Though it lacks a bit in enemy variety and design, the presentation is flawless, with the Baker home feeling like a modern day Spencer Mansion, with secret rooms leading to entirely new areas, and some neat environmental storytelling that will have you feeling like you’re actually in someone’s home when you shouldn’t be.

Resident Evil 7 begs to be played with the best resolution settings and the best pair of headphones to truly immerse yourself in its atmosphere. From footsteps being heard above or below you, the creaking of doors opening, to faint whispers coming from seemingly nowhere, you’ll never feel safe while exploring the Bakers’ estate. Resident Evil 7 faithfully keeps its combat roots intact, with scarce ammo for some of the best weapons in the game, like the shotgun or magnum, being a commodity.

I can’t think of a better first-person horror game than Resident Evil 7. It ticks all the boxes. Engaging gameplay, terrifying moments, even scarier boss fights, and an intriguing plot to thread it all together. This is the reason why horror games live on and why you should play them. They are the reason why I fell in love with video games in the first place, especially the Resident Evil series, and this is why the best way to experience horror games is in the first person.

Fun Factor: 98/100

Oh these things are a pain in the…

 

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